John F. Cermak

John F. Cermak focuses on environmental law matters involving litigation, regulatory compliance, contaminated sites, health and safety issues, and transaction-related environmental concerns. His work includes representing businesses in judicial and administrative proceedings while helping clients address environmental risks, operational requirements, and complex legal challenges across multiple industries.

John earned a B.A. from Boston University in 1979, summa cum laude. He later received a J.D. from American University Washington College of Law in 1982, magna cum laude. This academic background helped build the legal foundation that supports his work in environmental litigation, compliance counseling, and transactional matters.

John represents clients in disputes involving environmental contamination, hazardous substances, water quality concerns, toxic tort claims, and regulatory enforcement actions. His experience includes matters arising under major environmental laws as well as related state regulations. He also handles appellate challenges and proceedings before administrative agencies involving environmental issues.

John advises businesses on environmental compliance obligations involving air quality, wastewater, hazardous waste, reporting requirements, audits, permitting, and remediation matters. He works with organizations seeking practical guidance on managing regulatory responsibilities while reducing legal exposure. His counseling helps clients make informed decisions and maintain compliance with applicable requirements.

John has extensive experience assisting clients with contaminated properties and large-scale cleanup matters. He represents parties involved in Superfund sites, groundwater contamination issues, landfill matters, and sediment-related environmental concerns. His work often includes evaluating liability, negotiating resolutions, coordinating technical strategies, and addressing environmental obligations tied to complex sites.

John also assists with environmental aspects of real estate and corporate transactions. His work includes reviewing environmental assessments, conducting due diligence, negotiating representations and warranties, evaluating successor liability concerns, and addressing environmental provisions in purchase agreements. These services help clients identify potential risks before completing important business transactions.

John F. Cermak has earned recognition for his work in environmental law, including Chambers USA: Environmental in California, The Best Lawyers in America©, Southern California “Super Lawyer”, United States Department of Justice Honors Program, and Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent. His career reflects a commitment to helping clients navigate environmental challenges through strategic legal guidance and effective representation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cermak & Inglin, LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Judicial Selection Committee
• Member, California State Bar
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association

Licensed State

• California
• District of Columbia
• Pennsylvania

Education

• American University Washington College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  BA with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges